Dynamic canting and cushioning system for footwear

ABSTRACT

A sole unit for footwear having, comprising: a medial side, a lateral side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; the sole unit having at least one collapsible profile on a portion of its bottom surface, the collapsible profile being capable of selectively, resiliently canting a side of a user&#39;s foot upwardly on the side opposite an applied lateral force during use, the collapsible profile having a canting means for facilitating the selective canting of the user&#39;s foot. The invention is also directed to methods of constructing footwear in accordance with the foregoing.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to a sole unit in the field of footwear and inparticular it pertains to athletic footwear.

2. Description of the Related Art

In conventional footwear, sole units (i.e. the midsole, outsole, orboth) tend to maintain the bottom surface of the foot in a parallelplane to the ground during lateral cutting or stepping movements. Whilethis effect may provide some stability against undue ankle roll, itinterferes with the natural biomechanics of the foot. When a lateralmovement is made by an unshod foot, the fatty tissue andmusculo-skeletal structures of the foot react to the lateral force in away that results in it deforming so as to more closely maintain thealignment of the shin and foot, in a biomechanically efficient andstable position. In conventional shoes this alignment is lost becausethe sole unit tends to maintain the foot in a plane parallel to theground. As a result, conventional shoes may subject an ankle of a wearerto undue lateral rotation and consequently the potential for acuteinjuries. Accordingly, there is a need for a sole unit that more closelyreacts to lateral force at least as well as the unshod foot. There isalso a need for improved sole units that not only mimic naturalbiomechanics but also provide enhanced stability, performance,cushioning, and comfort under lateral and vertical forces.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages in the prior art byproviding a dynamic canting system that under lateral force cants thesole unit of a shoe towards the direction of force, in effect mimickinga banked turn. This provides increased stability, performance, andcomfort, while augmenting the potential for cutting sharper lateralmovements or turns under greater force.

While the sole unit of the present invention is suited for use in anykind of footwear, it is especially for footwear intended for use undercircumstances where there are significant lateral movements and forcesduring use. Athletics and sports, particularly court sports, oftenrequire such movements and generate such forces. Accordingly, thepresent invention is particularly suited for footwear intended for usein court sports, including basketball, tennis, soccer, volleyball,handball, racquetball, squash. Further, the present invention may beimplemented in specific ways according to the demands of a particularsport. The present invention enables the construction of a lightweight,well-cushioned, low profile, adjustable shoe meant to out-perform allconventional court shoes.

In addition to improving a shoes' lateral stability and performance,embodiments of the present invention may be used to improve the shoe'sresponse to vertical forces acting on the shoe alone or in combinationwith lateral forces.

In summary, this invention may offer one or more of the followingadvantages over conventional court-type shoes:

-   -   Prolonged lateral deceleration, which creates less stress on the        lower leg and ankle, while increasing outsole grip.    -   Automatic inward canting of the heel, allowing for quicker and        more agile lateral moves.    -   Increased proportional shock absorption for a given midsole        thickness, since, unlike with standard technology, the heel no        longer needs to provide a stable platform through the use of        stiff elastomers.    -   Decreased weight due to use of lower-density elastomers.    -   Better axial alignment of the ball of the foot.    -   Decreased fatigue    -   Greater comfort/reduced risk of injuries    -   Better mimicking of the biomechanics of the unshod foot.    -   Substantial possibilities for cross-category integration and        future iterations.    -   Substantial marketability—the dynamic is kinetic and readily        apparent visually and through wear testing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bottom side of a sole unit for ashoe according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a heel side of a shoe with a sole unitaccording to the present invention under a relatively light vertical butnot lateral force.

FIG. 3 is the shoe of FIG. 2 under a lateral force.

FIG. 4 is FIG. 2 under a greater lateral force.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a heel side of a shoe with a sole unitaccording to FIG. 1 under a relatively light vertical but not lateralforce .

FIG. 6 is the shoe of FIG. 5 under a lateral force.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a heel side of a shoe with alternativeembodiment of a sole unit under a relatively light vertical but notlateral force.

FIG. 8 is the shoe of FIG. 7 under a lateral force.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a heel portion of a shoe with a furtherembodiment of a sole unit according to the present invention under avertical compressive force even with the midline of the shoe.

FIG. 10 is the shoe of FIG. 9 with the shoe under vertical compressiveforce that is offset from the midline of the shoe.

FIG. 11 is a shoe with another embodiment of a sole unit under arelatively light vertical and a lateral force.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a heel side of a shoe with another alternativeembodiment of a sole unit under a vertical but not lateral force.

FIG. 15 is the shoe of FIG. 14 under a lateral force.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the sole unit according to FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bottom side of another alternativeembodiment of show with a sole unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the sole unit of the shoe of FIG. 17taken along line 18-18

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bottom side of another alternativeembodiment of a sole unit for a shoe according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENTINVENTION

In the following illustrations, the features illustrated are notnecessarily to scale, the illustrations intending only to berepresentative of the features for purpose of this discussion, it beingwithin the skill of a person in the art to determine relative sizing andpositioning of the features used in the novel combinations illustratedherein, except for the novel arrangement described herein.

When used in the context of forces, the term “lateral” means a force 12applied substantially perpendicular to the lateral or medial side of afoot. When used in the context of the anatomy of the foot, “lateral”refers to the outside of a foot. “medial” refers to the inside of a footthat faces the opposing medial side of the opposite foot.

As used herein, the vertical compression refers to the verticalcompressive force 13 that a shoe may be subject to based on the staticweight of a user, as may be induced from foot strike activities such aswalking, running, and jumping.

An object may react to a force isotropically or anisotropically. As usedherein, isotropic means that an object deforms the same way regardlessof the direction of an applied force. Anisotropic means that the objectdeforms differently depending on the direction of the force applied tothe object.

Although this invention pertains largely to footwear it may also includedesigns relating to skates and selective canting of the blade or wheelsin relation to the uppers.

In a basic form, the present invention includes one or more collapsingprofiles which may compress in a largely vertical manner when verticalforces are applied. However, when lateral forces are applied, one sidecollapses resiliently more, producing a dynamic canting of the soleunit.

FIGS. 1-4 show one possible embodiment of a sole unit 4 and shoe 10 inaccordance with the present invention. The shoe 10 comprises upper 2 andsole unit 4. Looking at FIG. 1, a sole unit 4 isolated from shoe upper 2is shown.

The sole unit 4 generally may comprise (i) a midsole for energyabsorption and/or return; (ii) an outsole material for surface contactand abrasion resistance and/or traction; or (iii) a single unitproviding such midsole or outsole functions. The sole unit also includesa plurality of collapsible profiles 11.1-11.6. (If a collapsible profileis being referenced in a context where the indicated positioning is notcritical, the reference number “11” will be used.) The collapsibleprofiles 11 may individually or collectively, and in whole or in part,provide the aforementioned midsole and/or outsole for the sole unit.

The sole unit 4 may be divided generally into a forefoot portion 17 anda rearfoot or heel portion 18. In FIG. 4, sole unit 4 is shown with itsbottom (ground contacting) surface up. The top surface of the sole unitmay receive upper 2 or an intervening component that provides energyreturn or absorption. While the sole unit 4 would generally extend thelength of the shoe, a sole unit could also comprise a unit that extendsfor a lesser area, such as just the forefoot or rearfoot portion, orsome other area of lesser length or width.

The sole unit may include resilient elements that provide cushioningagainst shock. They may also be of a nature that provides energy return(in essence, spring) upon impact. For convenience, unless otherwiseexpressly or contextually indicated, “resilient element” refers to anelement with either energy absorption and/or return functionality. Oneor more resilient elements 5 may be included in the sole unit 4 atlocations where cushioning may be needed. For example, the rearfootportion 18 of the sole unit would typically require cushioning, andresilient element 5 may be located there, as indicated in FIG. 1.Similarly, forefoot section 17 includes a resilient element 5.

Collapsible profiles 11 are disposed on the bottom surface of the soleunit 4 along opposite sides of a midline 22, generally dividing the shoein medial and lateral halves. Preferably they are disposed adjacent thebottom side edges of the sole unit. Collapsible profiles 11.1 and 11.2are disposed on a lateral side 7 and a medial side 8 of the rear portion18 of the shoe. Collapsible profiles 11.3 and 11.5 are disposed alonglateral edges of forefoot portion 17, and opposing them are collapsibleprofiles 11.4 and 11.6 disposed along the medial edges of the forefootportion 17.

The sole unit on which the collapsible profiles 11 are disposed maycomprise a standard midsole material, such as EVA or polyurethane foamand/or an abrasion resistant rubber or rubber-like material. It may alsocomprise a structural mid-sole component such as Hytrel or Nylon, suchas disclosed in Luthi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,886, the teaching ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. Thecollapsible profiles may themselves be composed of such materials orstructures

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, each collapsible profile contains one or morecanting means 14. The canting means 14 enables a collapsible profile 11to deform anisotropically in response in response to lateral force,allowing the sole unit to cant correspondingly. FIGS. 2-4 represent acollapsible profile with a canting means 14 comprising a flexure axissuch as a slit, crease, or hinging zone, which facilitates collapsing inone direction, but not in the other.

FIGS. 2-4 show shoe 10 under different forces. In this example, shoe 10represents a right shoe. FIG. 2 is a view of the heel portion of theshoe 10 under a vertical force 13 (force perpendicular to the bottomsurface of the sole unit) here representing static weight of the wearerof the shoe. When a moderate lateral force 12 is directed from themedial to lateral side of the shoe, as might occur during a cuttingmovement (e.g., during a court-sport, such as basketball or tennis),canting means 14 allows the collapsible profile 11 to collapse towardsthe side of the applied force 12, as seen in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows thefurther deformation of the collapsible profile under further force 12.As seen, the collapsible profile undergoing deformation maintainssubstantial surface contact with the ground during deformation.

In FIG. 3, shoe 10 is inclined towards the direction of the appliedforce 12. This demonstrates the canting action resulting from thecollapse or deformation of collapsible profile 11 in response to amoderate applied force 12 (in combination with the vertical force 13.)The lateral force 12 illustrated represents that which the wearer mightsubject the shoe to in a lateral cutting movement of the right foot.This force starts causing collapsible profile 11 to angle downwards awayfrom the force vector that is the sum of vertical force 13 and lateralforce vector 12. Accordingly the orientation of a canting means 14(discussed in greater detail below) creates an anisotropic collapse awayfrom the force: Notice that while lateral force 12 is applied across themedial side 7 of the shoe toward the lateral side, the collapsibleprofile 11 on the lateral side 8 does not deform at all, or at least toa relatively lesser extent than its counterpart on the medial side. Thisselective or anisotropic response to the same directed force enables theshoe to cant towards the force, providing a stable platform that mimicsthe advantageous biomechanics of the barefoot. However, if the force isapplied from the lateral to the medial side of the same shoe, thelateral collapsible profiles respond in mirrored fashion to theirresponse to lateral force applied from the medial side.

As noted, FIG. 4 shows that as lateral force 12 is increased, shoe 10responds by canting increasingly more. This demonstrates that thedynamic canting effect may be proportional to the force applied.However, a limit on canting may be imposed so that there is lesslikelihood of a potentially injurious foot roll-over. The limit may be arigid or relatively rigid structure on one or more sides of acollapsible profile that resists or blocks deformation. The structuremay be of the same or similar material as the collapsible profiles buthave different properties due to the angles or shapes. Or the structurecould be of a different more rigid material that helps restrictdeformation on the desired side of the collapsible profile.

In the example of FIGS. 1-4, the canting means 14 comprise one or morehorizontal or substantially horizontal slits in the inward facingsidewall of the collapsible profile, extending partly through thecollapsible profile toward the outward sidewall. The orientation ofcanting means 14 permits the foregoing canting effect by virtue of itshinging being dependent on the direction of the applied force. If theforce is applied away from the open side of a slit, the opposingsurfaces defining the slit cannot spread apart because the opposinginner surfaces block each other rather than separating.

As indicated in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, a plurality of canting means may beused in any single collapsible profile. As noted, the canting means maycomprise one or more slits 14. A slit may extend from an inner wall of acollapsible profile toward the outer wall in various angles that allowthe slit to open in response to a lateral force applied from the outsidewall of the slit across the inside wall, but not to open substantiallyin response to an opposite applied force. The slits 14 extend onlypartially through the downward extension of the collapsible profile. Inone suitable embodiment, a slit is oriented in a line that is parallelor substantially parallel to the plane of the sole unit.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, each collapsible profile has aplurality of slits 14 disposed in different vertical, substantiallyparallel positions in the collapsible profile. By varying the number ofslits and the degree/angle to which they extend across the collapsibleprofile 11, the deformation characteristics of the profile may be tunedfor a particular application. For example, greater deformation might bedesired for a court shoe.

By incorporating the collapsible profiles 11 in the sole unit 4, thedynamic canting of the shoe 10 stabilizes the foot during lateralcutting movements or otherwise under lateral force. Multiple or deeperslits could be provided in the collapsible profile to promote thedeformability. In a running shoe there is less need for the lateraldeformability a collapsible profile can provide. Accordingly, thecanting means would be less responsive to lateral force 12. In theembodiment of FIG. 1, this could be achieved, for example, by fewer orless deep slits to control lateral deformability. The materialproperties of the collapsible profile could also factor in thedeformability of the collapsible profile. For example, use of higherdurometer materials would provide more resistance to deformation.

Other orientations of slits 14 or other canting means to achieve tuneddeformation are, of course, possible. For instance, more verticallyoriented slits could respond to vertical forces and help cushion againstthem. As an example, FIGS. 17-18 show a sole unit 4 with collapsibleprofiles 514 extending the whole or a substantial length of the soleunit. One or more collapsible profiles 514 a are disposed on one side ofmidline 22 and one or more collapsible profiles 514 b are disposed onthe opposite side. FIG. 19 shows a similar sole unit with collapsibleprofiles 614. Again there are opposing sets of collapsible profiles onopposite sides of a midline 22. In this case, collapsible profiles aresmall projections that may vary in size. Generally the collapsibleprofiles of FIGS. 17 and 19 are arranged as parallel, or substantiallyparallel, units or arrays running longitudinally along the sole unit. Inthe embodiments of FIGS. 17 and 19, the sole unit and collapsibleprofiles may be molded using conventional techniques to form a unitarysole unit structure that includes the collapsible profiles. The moldingprocess may use conventional midsole and outsole materials. For example,looking at FIG. 18, the collapsible profiles 514 may be formed ofstandard midsole 518 and outsole 520. In FIGS. 17-19, the collapsibleprofiles have a preferred configuration of a substantially verticaloutside sidewall 521, 621 and an angled inside sidewall 523, 623.

It is also noted that slits or other canting means need not initiate ina surface of a collapsible profile, but could be encapsulated within theprofile.

Deformability in a collapsible profile 11 can also be controlled bytuning the shape of a profile. Note, for example, that the collapsibleprofiles 11 of FIG. 1 have relatively vertical sidewalls 21 on theoutward side of the profile, and acutely angled sidewalls 23 on theinward side. This arrangement facilitates the collapse of the profileunder vertical and/or lateral force applied from the opposite side ofthe collapsible profile, as shown in the figures. An opposingcollapsible profile across midline 22 does not collapse at its cantingmeans, at least in part due to the resistance of the angled sidewall.The angled sidewall is like a reinforced dike against forces from theopposite side, i.e., the angled sidewall will collapse more from a forcereceived from the same side than from a force received from its oppositeside. The sidewall arrangement of collapsible profiles thereforeenhances the effect of the canting means in causing a profile to deformselectively according to the direction of the applied force. FIGS. 17and 19 are other examples of the sidewall vertical/angled arrangement.For example, in FIG. 17, the collapsible profiles have substantiallyvertical outward facing sidewalls 521 and angled sidewalls 523 on theinward facing sidewalls.

In-addition to slits, the canting means 14 may also compriseindentations or grooves or other means that allow the collapsibleprofile to splay toward the direction of the force. For example, insteadof or in addition to the slits, the selective deformation administeredby the canting means could be implemented, as one or more cells, such asa honeycomb or accordian-like cellular structure, that are wholly orpartly collapsed under vertical load and which expand under a lateralload, much the same way as a slit 14 opens. This would approximate thedynamic illustrated in FIGS. 7-8.

The present invention contemplates other embodiments of collapsibleprofiles that provide the same functionality and dynamic of theembodiments of FIGS. 1-6 and 17-19. For example, FIGS. 7 and 8 show ashoe with a plurality of collapsible profiles 111 generally alignedalong the lateral and medial sides of the shoe. In this embodiment thelateral profiles each comprise a unit that has zones 114 of differingelasticity or expandability. Generally, one or more stretchable zones114 are disposed on the inward side of the collapsible profile and oneor more less elastic or non-elastic zones are disposed on an outwardside of a stretchable zone. The collapsible profiles may have acounterpart profile on the opposite side of a midline 22 with the sameor similar construction. Under a lateral force, zones of elasticmaterial stretch. As the collapsible profile stretches it splays ingenerally the same way as the collapsible profiles 11 of the embodimentsof FIGS. 1-6 and 17-19. The outer zones are less resistant tostretching. A vertical /angled arrangement of sidewalls 21/23 may add tothe stretching integrity and promote anisotophy deformation as earliernoted. A counterpart collapsible profile on the opposite side of themidline 22 responds generally in the same or similar way as thecounterpart collapsible profiles of FIGS. 1-6, except that thecollapsible profile resists deformation in the direction of the forcebecause of the lesser elasticity of the outward zones and because inwardfacing elastic zones are under a compressive force rather than aseparating force. Accordingly, there is selective deformation of thecollapsible profile on the medial side 7 and resistance to collapse onthe lateral side 8. The selective collapsibility of the profiles causesthe shoe to cant downwardly toward the medial side under a force 12applied from the medial to the lateral side.

It should be appreciated at this point that the elastic zones 114 in thecollapsible profiles of FIGS. 7 and 8 act as a canting means by allowingthe collapsible profile 114 to splay outwardly in the direction of anapplied lateral force 12.

In FIGS. 7 and 8 a stretchable zone 114 of a collapsible profile 111 maybe made of one or more layers of elastic material. Preferably going fromthe outward side 21 to the inward side 23 of the collapsible profile 111there is progressively more stretchability. In addition to usingdistinct layers of stretchable material for this purpose, thecollapsible profile may be molded as single unit of one or morecompositions providing the progressive stretchability. The stretchablezone may also be based on a cellular structure, wherein, for example,the cells are made of a stretchable material. The cells could also bedesigned to be resiliently compressible so that they serve as resilientelement.

Example materials for the collapsible profiles of FIGS. 7 and 8 includeNeoprene, Poron, rubbery EVAs, and other known materials familiar topersons skilled in the art. These may be formed in known moldingprocesses and be of varying durometers and skin tensions.

Additional permutations to embodiments of FIGS. 1-8 may include any oneor more of the following:

-   -   Various combinations of elastomers/air cells or bladders forming        the collapsible profiles. (In this connection, the deformation        pads disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,266,897 may be adapted in        accordance with the present invention. The teachings of the '897        patent are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.)    -   Collapsible profiles that are removably attachable to a sole        unit, by providing attachment means such as receptacles,        pockets, threading, slots, zipper means or other known means to        removably engage the collapsible profile to the sole unit.    -   Resilient elements that are removably attachable with a        predetermined portion of the sole unit. For example, the        removable resilient elements may be disposed on or in a central        portion of a sole unit, by providing attachment means such as        pockets, threading, or other known means to removably engage the        collapsible profile to the sole unit.    -   A slit or crease towards the top of the profiles which enables        them to fold one way but not the other.    -   The inclusion of compressible pads of selected durometers and        shear-ability on any side of a collapsible profile.    -   Variable density portions or layers of the collapsing profiles        to provide tuned deformation and/or cushioning.    -   Various sizes, profiles, and heights of collapsible profiles        arranged at various points throughout the sole unit. These may        be curvilinear relative to the midline 22 of the sole unit 4.        They may also range in size from a pencil-tip to profiles        several inches in length.    -   Outsole materials co-molded or affixed to the lower portion of        collapsible profiles    -   Variation in the angle at which a profile collapses depends on        the bottom of a sole unit. For example, the collapsible profiles        instead of projecting substantially vertically from the bottom        of the sole unit may be angled outwardly/inwardly or fore/aft        relative to a sole unit's midline, and be non-orthogonally        placed relative to the midline.    -   Inclusion of air bladders as cushioning means.    -   More rigid plastic or plastic-like profiles may be incorporated        in or around a given collapsible profile.

FIGS. 9-13 show related, alternative embodiments of a sole unit havingcollapsible profiles 214 and 314 for enabling a cushioning and/ordynamic canting effect as described above. In the embodiments,collapsible profiles 214 and 314 comprise a torsion element, a cantingmeans, and opposing force transfer means. The torsion element 216, 316is coupled to a hinging 217 means disposed on the bottom surface of asole unit. The torsion element has opposing force transfer means 218,318 on either side of a canting means connected to the torsion element.The torsion element may rotate, at least partially within or about thecanting means. Or the canting means may otherwise facilitate arotational movement of the torsion element. Preferably, the forcetransfer means are disposed at each end of the torsion element.

The torsion element generally 216,316 is an elongate substantially rigidelement such as a bar. Generally, the torsion element should be orientedin the direction of a lateral force applied that may act on the soleunit. In one suitable embodiment, the torsion element may be made of,for example, metals or structural polymers. The torsion element isoriented generally perpendicular to a midline section of the sole unit.But it may be oriented at other angles, depending on the direction ofthe forces to which it is intended to respond.

The canting means 217 provides a pivot point or bearing surface for thetorsion element 216, 316, orienting the torsion element generallyperpendicularly to the midline of the sole unit to which it is attached(in the example shown), and allowing rotational movement. As oneexample, the canting means is a sleeve, ring, ball or socket (with acomplementary surface or item being disposed on the torsion element) forreceiving the torsion element. It may also be a “living hinge”, whereinthe canting means is coupled to the torsion element, but providesrotational movement.

The force transfer 218, 318 means on opposite sides of the canting means217 are connected to or embedded in a portion of compressibly resilientsole unit material. Preferably, the force transfer means are disposed onor towards the ends of the torsion element 216, 316. Generally, theforce transfer means comprise a generally broad area of materialattached to or formed on or in the torsion element. Preferably, thebroad area comprises rigid or substantially rigid, generally planar padsdisposed on the ends of a torsion element. The force transfer meansprovide an area where a force may act, with the canting means allowingrotational movement of the torsion element. In the case of theEmbodiment of FIG. 12, the rotational movement translates the force onone force transfer means in an opposite direction and effect on theopposite force transfer means. For example, a generally compressiveforce on one side of the midline 22 (which force may have lateral andvertical components) would tend to compress the sole unit 4, but thecanting means would pull the sole unit at the point of attachment of theopposite force transfer means. Accordingly this produces a canted soleunit while the force is applied. If there is equal force on each side ofthe midline, there would not be canting. In addition, by providing arigid but resilient torsion element with force transfer means in a lowerplane (closer to the ground surface than the canting means) attachmentto the sole unit, under a vertical force, the torsion element could flexback toward the plane of the canting means and thereby provide acushioning effect. In contrast, to the embodiment of FIG. 12, in theembodiment of FIG. 13, a vertical force that is offset from the midlinewould allow equal cushioning on both sides of the midline, as indicatedin FIGS. 9 and 10. This is because as one force transfer means is moved,the corresponding force transfer means on the opposite side of themidline moves the same amount in the same direction. Alternatively, thetorsion elements may be of unequal lengths, thus allowing for differingamounts of movement. In order for any of these effects to take place,there must be a resilient portion of midsole material between the forcetransfer means and the shoe upper, preferably of a higher densitymaterial than the surronding material. This resilient materialeffectively preloads the force transfer means. The force transfer means218, 318 may be formed of the unit of material that forms the torsionelement 216, 316. Or it may be a separate unit attached to the torsionelement. In an alternative embodiment, the portions of the torsionelements on opposite sides of the canting means are integrated into soleunit material, the region of integration serving as the force transfermeans.

As shown in FIGS. 11-12, the torsion element 316 may be non-linear andadapted to dispose one force transfer means 318 on opposite sides of thetorsion element, namely one is forward of the canting means 217 and theother rearward, creating a generally s-shaped torsion element. Inoperation the collapsible profiles 314 of FIGS. 11 -12 create a dynamicwhere if one force transfer means is pushed up, the force transfer meanson the other side of the torsion element pushes the opposite direction(down). Thus vertical pressures on one side of the shoe are augmented bya corresponding opposite pressure on the other side of the shoe. Thisresults in the dynamic canting effect described in relation to FIGS.1-8. Looking at FIGS. 9-10, 13, for a given collapsible profile 214, theforce transfer means 218 are located on the same side of the torsionelement 216. FIG. 9 represents a shoe under the static weight of a user.In FIG. 10, an additional offset vertical force 13 pushes down theportion of the sole unit 4 where a first force transfer means 218 isdisposed. As the first force transfer means is depressed, the torsionelement translates the force of the opposite side of the canting means217 to the second force transfer means 218. Because it is on the sameside of the torsion element as the other force transfer means, it isalso depressed into the portion of the sole unit where it is disposed.This produces the isotropically compressed sole unit of FIG. 10. Thusthe embodiments of FIGS. 9-13 provide a novel cushioning system, as wellas a novel canting system. In view of the foregoing, persons skilled inthe art will appreciate that the embodiments of FIGS. 9-13 may be usedto provide a sole unit that has tunable cushioning and/or cantingproperties. The torsion elements could be replaceable so that torsionelement configurations and force transfer means may be swapped toprovide such tunability. Using torsion elements with differentorientations of force transfer means on opposite sides of the cantingmeans, a shoe may be tuned to suit the needs of various sports,including court, field, and running sports.

In general it will be desirable to dispose the canting means 214,314 atabout the midline 22 of the sole unit 4 and force transfer means 218,318 for a torsion element 216, 316 are located on opposite sides of themidline, preferably toward the sides of the sole unit. This isparticularly desirable where the collapsible profiles are intended toprovide canting. However, individual collapsible profiles may bedisposed on opposite sides of the midline, as described for thecollapsible profiles of FIGS. 1-8. This may be desirable where thecollapsible profiles are intended to provide cushioning.

The canting means 217 may be disposed on or within a portion of the soleunit 4. In a possible embodiment, the canting means are disposed on orin an area of sole unit having a durometer different from that of one orboth portions of the unit at which or in which a force transfer means isdisposed. Preferably, the canting means is disposed on or within an areaof sole unit having a higher durometer. Such an arrangement promotes thecanting effect because on either side of the canting means the materialis relatively more prone to collapse under force from a lateral cuttingmovement or vertical compressive force.

Additional permutations to embodiments of FIGS. 9-13 may include any oneor more of the following:

-   -   Differing lengths and angles of the parallels, which creates        differential induction of torsion    -   Inclusion of elastomers or air under or around the torsion        elements which exert force upon them.    -   Torsion elements may be configured to provide/optimize        cushioning.    -   Inclusion of a center “high spot” or “low spot” towards the        longitudinal midline of shoe outsole    -   A mechanism for adjusting tension and angle of torsion elements,        e.g., replaceable elastomer pads or adjustable air bladders.    -   Incorporation of the torsion elements into midsole material of a        sole unit.    -   Force transfer means comprising an abrasion resistant material        or having abrasion resistant material disposed thereon.    -   Various widths and lengths for the torsion element and force        transfer means to control selectably the amount of force applied        across the canting means and the area of the sole unit canted        and or cushioned by such embodiment of a collapsing profile.    -   Inclusion of various other combinations of collapsing profiles        as in FIGS. 1-8, and 17-19.    -   Inclusion of air bladders as cushioning means.

A further embodiment of collapsible profiles in accordance with thepresent invention is illustrated in FIGS. 14-16. In connection withthese embodiments, and supplementing the disclosure hereof, U.S. Pat.No. 6,115,943, is hereby incorporated by reference, as if set forth inits entirety, for all purposes. The '943 patent, was invented and isowned by the inventor and owner of the present patent application.Generally, the embodiments of FIGS. 14-16 are directed to a sole unit 4with collapsing profiles 414.

The collapsible profiles of this embodiment comprise opposing verticaldisplacement elements 106 preferably with horizontal displacementelements 108 disposed between the vertical elements at or near topand/or bottom positions along the opposing vertical displacementelements At the intersection of the vertical and horizontal elements areconnected canting means 317. The canting means allow an upper sole unitportion 102 and lower sole unit portion 104 to be laterally displaceablerelative to one other in response to a lateral force 12, as shown inFIG. 15 and described in more detail below. The upper and lowerhorizontal displacement elements may comprise sections of midsole and/oroutsole between canting means 317. Or they may be separate elementsbetween the canting means attached to or integrated with the midsole oroutsole. The canting means preferably define a rhomboid-likeconfiguration for the collapsible profile that deforms into atrapezoidal-like configuration under lateral force.

The collapsible profiles may optionally include a horizontaldisplacement element 108 for anchoring the collapsible profile to theupper and/or lower plan as portion. Preferably the upper sole unitportions associated with a collapsible profile is also displaceable inat least a forward direction relative to the lower planar portions inresponse to a vertical force 13. Canting means 317 may facilitate foreand/or aft displacement of upper portion 102 relative to lower portion104. In one possible embodiment, this means is a flexure axis at theintersection of the vertical and horizontal displacement elements. (Aflexure axis for such displacement is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,943,which has earlier been incorporated by reference.) The axis may beoriented in one or more directions. This allows for cushioningconcurrent with the lateral canting.

For a given collapsible profile 414, a canting effect may be achieved byarranging the displacements 106 and canting means so that a pair ofcanting means 317 on each of the upper portion and the lower portion areon opposite sides of the midline 22 for the sole unit with theseparation of the bottom pair being greater than the top pair. As noted,in a preferred embodiment, such arrangement is found in a rhomboidal totrapezoidal structure, as seen in FIGS. 14-16. Viewed from the side withno forces applied, the rhomboid may be either substantially vertical orcanted forwardly or rearwardly.

Notice that the displacement elements 106 and horizontal displacementelements 104 between the lower canting means 317 form acute angles 118 aand 119 under non-lateral force, as shown in FIG. 14. Under a lateralforce 12 applied from the left side of the sole unit 4 to the right, thelower acute angle 118 a on the side on which the force creates a moreacute angle 118 b while the angle 119 a at the opposite side becomes amore obtuse angle 119 b, hence forming a trapezoidal-like configuration.Consequently, the upper portion 102 is not only laterally displaced butalso canted towards the side of the sole unit at which the force 12initiates.

As is the case for all other embodiments described herein, thecollapsing profile structure of this embodiment is provided withresilience (either inherent In its own structure, or from the adjoiningmidsole elastomers on either or both sides of the collapsible profile)so that after an acting force 12 or 13 is removed, the collapsingprofile returns to its static position. The structure may also deformselectively in response to a force with a vertical component to provideboth canting and cushioning. It moves appreciably fore-aft andlaterally, depending on the composite or singular forces involved.

The displacement elements 106, 108 of the present invention may havethin or wide profiles. For example, the displacement elements may bethin rod-like elements. The collapsible profiles of such an arrangementmay be located at points on a sole unit where lateral displacement,canting and/or cushioning is desired. In one possible embodiment, thecollapsing elements 414 comprise sole unit portions 102, 104anddisplacement elements 106 are thin or rod-like elements that are spacedalong a rearfoot portion and a forefoot portion of the sole unit, asshown in FIG. 16. In that figure, a vertical force 13 compresses therear portion but not the forefoot portion. Consequently, the collapsibleprofiles in the rear portion are shown angled forward (with a more acuteangle) relative to the ones in the forward portion. Note also that thereshould be sufficient clearance between collapsible profiles to allow forsuch forward flex. The collapsible profiles may be contained in a soleunit or portion thereof as separate independent segments, as indicatedby vertical dusted lines. Each segment could contain one morecollapsible profiles along with midsole and/or outsole materials for thesegment. As another example, multiple collapsible profiles could becontained in a portion of sole unit that extends some or all the lengthfrom rearfoot to forefoot, without segmentation.

In another possible embodiment, the displacements 106 and upper andlower sole portions 102, 104 have wide profiles. For example, they maytake the form of tubelike units having a transverse cross-section inaccordance with the foregoing description of the relative arrangementsof pairs of canting means in the top and bottom portions (e.g., arhomboidal cross section). The upper and lower portions of such atube-like collapsible profile could extend any desired length of a soleunit. One or more such units could be attached at locations wherelateral displacement, canting, and/or cushioning is desired. Forexample, the upper portion could extend the length of a foot and servedirectly or indirectly as the surface for attaching a shoe upper. Thelower portion in such embodiment could also extend the length of thefoot and could serve directly or indirectly as the outsole surface ofthe shoe, or as a direct or indirect surface for attaching outsolematerial. As indicated above relative to segmentation, it may benon-contiguous on its bottom surface to allow for differential flexingof the units.

Note that the displacements 106, 108 may be connected or otherwiseintegrated into the surface of the top or bottom portions in a varietyof ways. For example the displacements could be formed into a unitarystructure (e.g., incorporating a living hinge) with the upper and lowerportions 102, 104. The upper and lower portions could comprise some orall of the sole unit 4.

In one possible embodiment the displacement elements 106, 108 compriserigid polymers such as Hytrel™ and PEBAX™, such as may be disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,822,886, which was earlier incorporated by reference.The collapsing profile 414, or components thereof, may be made frommaterials that are extruded, molded, milled, or fabricated in any othermanner which allows for hinging motion of the canting means between thedisplacements and the associated top or bottom portions of the soleunits. Other suitable materials include other plastics (generally of thesofter variety, such as UHMW, polypropylene, or Hytrel™ RTM™.) metals,and other materials that provide low compression set, good kineticmemory, pliability, resistance to temperature, and appropriate rigidityrelative to the absorptive material.

The canting means 317 may be flexure axes at the points where thedisplacements integrate with the top and bottom portions, for exampleslits or notches where the displacements join the surface of a top orbottom surface. Hinging may also be constructed of ball and sockethinges, linear hinges, or other such known mechanical devices. Livinghinges may also be employed. A damping means is preferably disposedbetween the outsole and the upper between top and bottom surfaces of thecollapsing profile or such material may be disposed between units ofcollapsible profile. This damping means may be an elastomer, gas, or angas/elastomer blend. This could be tunable, with replaceable elastomercartridges or adjustable air bladders.

In embodiments with a canting means that affords fore and/or aftdisplacement, when vertical pressure is applied, the lower portion movesrearward in relation to the upper portion, providing cushioning. Whenlateral pressure is applied, the lateral hinges flex or shift, allowingfor the novel canting dynamic of the present invention. The degree towhich this happens may be modulated by the damping means incorporated inthe midsole.

The embodiment of FIG. 14 is shown under a static vertical force 13.FIG. 15 shows the embodiment under a lateral force applied from themedial side to lateral side of the sole unit. FIG. 16 shows the soleunit reacting to a force with a substantial vertical component on therear portion of the sole unit. Note the forward position of the top ofthe rhomboidal structures (due to compressive forces) relative to thosein the forefoot portion, which are not under the vertical force.

Notably, from the foregoing it should be apparent that the presentinvention overcomes the disadvantages of traditional, materials andconfigurations for sole units. For example, such materials are oftenamorphous or uniform foams or rubbers that do not provide the selectivedeformability of the present invention. Further the prior art does notteach how to use such materials for effective selective deformability.In contrast the present invention provides the option of using suchmaterials and others in the novel structures for the selectivelydeformable collapsible profiles disclosed herein.

Additional variations and permutations to embodiments of FIGS. 14-16 mayinclude any one or more of the following:

-   -   Adjustment means for modulating the amount of cushioning in the        damping means, e.g., replaceable elastomer cartridges or        adjustable air bladders.    -   Unitary or separate and upper and lower sole unit portions and        displacement elements disposed therebetween.    -   Independent or separate foresole and rearsole portions that        allow for differential flexing and/or orientation.    -   Net movement of the shoe outsole upon vertical compression may        be either fore or aft relative to the uppers.    -   Inclusion of various other combinations of collapsing profiles        as in FIGS. 1-13.    -   The designs in FIGS. 14-16 may exclude horizontal displacement        elements members on the top or bottom. Outsole may or may not        bridge between the side members.

Other variations that may be applicable to the one or more of theembodiments of FIGS. 1-19 are as follows:

-   -   Collapsible profiles may include a combination of slits and        elastomers, or the slits may be indentations and/or fold lines.    -   The overall contour of the profiles (as viewed from the either        end) may be slightly arcuate—domed, concave, or v-shaped.    -   Variable pressure air channels may communicate between various        profiles and serve as stability as well as cushioning by        differentially pressurizing key areas.    -   Profiles may include an outsole, or have none whatsoever. Any        combination of the designs outlined in the application may be        used in various combinations.    -   During manufacture, the outsole may be applied in one piece,        with cut-outs for the voids between profiles. The cut-out may        then be popped out and recycled. This serves to stabilize the        outsole and profiles during gluing.    -   A variety of matrix-type materials such as honeycombs (such as        Hexalite™) and parallelogram channels can be used to        differentially flex and provide the same anisotropic dynamic as        the profiles and slit/variable elastomer combinations.    -   Skeletal pieces of higher-durometer plastic or stiffer material        (than the adjoining profile material) may reside within a        plurality of profiles, effectively giving more of a framework        for the profiles to flex around, thus enhancing hinging and        stability by serving as defined zones of flexure and relative        rigidity.

The foregoing embodiments and features are for illustrative purposes.Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the foregoingdescription and embodiments are not limitations, but examples. Suchpersons will recognize, in particular, that many modifications andvariations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements ofthe parts and steps which have been described and illustrated in orderto explain the nature of this invention, and that such modifications andvariations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings andclaims contained herein.

1. A sole unit for footwear having, comprising: a medial side, a lateralside, a top surface, and a bottom surface; the sole unit extending alonga midline and having at least one collapsible profile on a portion ofits bottom surface, the collapsible profile being substantially parallelto the midline; the collapsible profile being capable of selectively,resiliently canting a side of a user's foot upwardly on the sideopposite an applied lateral force during use, the collapsible profilehaving a canting means for facilitating the selective canting of theuser's foot.
 2. The sole unit of claim 1 having collapsible profilesopposing each other such that when a lateral force is applied to thesole unit, the collapsible profile at the side to which the force isapplied selectively collapses at the canting means and the canting meansin the opposing collapsible profile resists collapsing in the samedirection.
 3. The sole unit of claim 1 wherein at least one collapsibleprofile is disposed along at least each of a forefoot or heel portion ofa medial side of the sole unit.
 4. The sole unit of claim 3 whereincollapsible profiles are disposed along a forefoot or heel portion ofmedial and lateral sides of the sole unit.
 5. The sole unit of claim 1wherein the collapsible profile includes a canting means comprising aflexure axis oriented generally parallel to the midline of the soleunit.
 6. The sole unit of claim 5 having collapsible profiles opposingeach other such that when a lateral force is applied to the sole unit,the collapsible profile at the side to which the force is appliedselectively collapses at the canting means and the opposing collapsibleprofile resists collapsing in the same direction.
 7. The sole unit ofclaim 6 wherein the collapsible profile has an outside edge at anoutside medial edge of the sole unit and a canting means that allows thecollapsible profile to splay away from the outside edge under a lateralforce to the medial side of the shoe.
 8. The sole unit of claim 1wherein the collapsible profile includes an outsole for ground contact.9. The sole unit of claim 8 wherein the collapsible profile alsocomprises a resilient element.
 10. The sole unit of claim 9 wherein thecollapsible profile includes an outsole for ground contact.
 11. The soleunit of claim 4 wherein midsole and/or outsole structure, not comprisinga collapsible profile, is disposed closely adjacent at least abeut 10%the perimeter of one or more collapsible portions.
 12. The sole unit ofclaim 11 wherein the midsole and/or outsole is closely disposed adjacentat lcast about 25% of the perimeter of one or more collapsible profiles.13. The sole unit of claim 1 wherein the collapsible profilesubstantially comprises a non-amorphous material.
 14. The sole unit ofclaim 1 wherein the collapsible profile is removably disposed on thesole unit.
 15. The sole unit of claim 3 wherein the collapsible profilecomprises an element having a generally vertical side wall facingoutwardly and an angled sidewall facing inwardly, the collapsibleprofile facilitating selective collapse of the collapsible profile dueto the angled differences of the walls to can the shoe.
 16. The soleunit of claim 3 wherein the collapsible profile extends downwardly fromthe bottom surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to theplane of the bottom surface.
 17. The sole unit of claim 1 wherein aplurality of collapsible profiles comprising a resiliently compressiblematerial are disposed in a plurality of parallel arrays, at least twoarrays on opposite sides of a midline extending at least a portion ofthe length of the sole unit.
 18. The sole unit of claim 1 wherein aplurality of collapsible profiles comprising a resiliently compressiblematerial are disposed in a plurality of parallel segments, at least twosegments on opposite sides of a midline extending at least a portion ofthe length of the sole unit.
 19. The sole unit of claim 16 wherein thecollapsible profile has a curvilinear shape that generally correspondsto an adjacent side contour of the sole unit.
 20. The sole unit of claim1 wherein the top surface is fore-aft translatable relative to thebottom surface under a force applied generally perpendicular to thesurface of the top or bottom surface.
 21. The sole unit of claim 15wherein, under a lateral force the bottom surface of the collapsibleprofile at the initial side of the lateral force may maintainsubstantial contact with the ground, and the top surface may laterallydisplace in the direction of the applied force, with the side of thesole unit canting towards the side at which the force is initiallyapplied.
 22. The sole unit of claim 21 wherein the ground contactingcollapsible profile is disposed on a heel portion of a sole unit andspans the heel portion from a medial side, across a midline, to thelateral side of the heel portion.
 23. The sole unit of claim 21 whereinthe ground contacting collapsible profile is disposed on a forefootportion of a sole unit and spans the forefoot portion from a medialside, across a midline, to the lateral side-of the forefoot portion. 24.The sole unit of claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of the cantingmeans on the sole unit, each allowing resilient fore-aft displacement ofthe top surface relative to the bottom surface.
 25. The sole unit ofclaim 1 wherein the collapsible profile comprises a torsion elementcoupled to a canting means disposed on the bottom surface of the soleunit, the torsion element having opposing force transfer means at eachend.
 26. The sole unit of claim 25 wherein the canting means comprises asleeve for receiving the torsion element and the torsion elementcomprises a rigid bar that may rotationally move in the sleeve.
 27. Thesole unit of claim 25 wherein the force transfer means comprisesubstantially rigid pads.
 28. The sole unit of claim 25 wherein thecanting means comprises a sleeve for receiving the torsion element andthe force transfer means comprise substantially rigid pads.
 29. The soleunit of claim 25 wherein the canting means is disposed at about amidline of the sole unit and force transfer means for a torsion elementare located on opposite sides of the midline.
 30. The sole unit of claim29 wherein the torision element is nonlinear and adapted to dispose oneforce transfer means forward of the canting means and the otherrearward.
 31. The sole unit of claim 30 wherein there are a pluralitycollapsible profiles comprising a torsion element, canting means andforce transfer means on the sole unit.
 32. The sole unit of claim 25wherein the collapsible profile also comprises a resilient element. 33.A sole unit for footwear having, comprising: a medial side, a lateralside, a top surface, and a bottom surface; the sole unit having at leastone collapsible profile on a portion of its bottom surface, thecollapsible profile comprises a torsion element coupled to a cantingmeans disposed on the bottom surface of the sole unit, the torsionelement having opposing force transfer means at each end wherein thecanting means is disposed at about a midline of the sole unit and forcetransfer means for a torsion element are located on opposite sides ofthe midline.
 34. The sole unit of claim 33 wherein the collapsibleprofile comprises a resilient element.
 35. The sole unit of claim 34wherein the torsion element is nonlinear and adapted to dispose oneforce transfer means forward of the canting means and the otherrearward.
 36. A sole unit for footwear having, comprising: a medialside, a lateral side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; the sole unitextending along a midline, the bottom surface has a profile that issubstantially parallel to the midline; the sole unit having at least onecanting means on a portion of the bottom surface for laterallydisplacing the top surface from the bottom surface and canting the topsurface relative to the bottom surface, according to the direction of anapplied lateral force, the sole unit is adapted to be canted in thedirection of the applied lateral force.
 37. A sole unit, comprising: amedial side, a lateral side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; thesole unit having at least one collapsible profile on a portion of itsbottom surface, the collapsible profile being capable of selectively,resiliently canting a side of a user's foot upwardly on the sideopposite an applied lateral force during use, the collapsible profilecomprising opposing vertical displacement elements with an upper orlower horizontal displacement element disposed therebetween and, thevertical elements having upward and downward ends that interface withthe upper and/or lower horizontal displacement elements via cantingmeans, the canting means facilitating the deformation of the collapsibleprofile to provide selective canting of the user's foot.
 38. The soleunit of claim 37 wherein the vertical displacement elements form anacute angle with the lower portion under static use conditions.
 39. Thesole unit of claim 37 wherein the collapsible profile has onedisplacement element on one side of a midline of the sole unit and theother displacement element on the opposing side, the upper and lowerportions and vertical displacements disposed therebetween generallyhaving a rhomboid-like shape.
 40. The sole unit of 39 wherein there area plurality of the rhomboid-like collapsible profiles disposed along alength of the sole unit.
 41. The sole unit of claim 37 wherein the upperand/or lower horizontal displacement elements comprise elementsintegrated or attached to the sole unit.
 42. A shoe having a sole unitcomprising a medial side, a lateral side, a top surface, and a bottomsurface; the sole unit having a least one collapsible profile on aportion of its bottom surface, the collapsible profile being capable ofselectively, resiliently canting a side of a user's foot upwardly on theside opposite an applied lateral force during use, the collapsibleprofile having a canting means for facilitating the selective canting ofthe user's foot.
 43. A shoe having a sole unit comprising: a medialside, a lateral side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; the sole unithaving at least one collapsible profile on a portion of its bottomsurface, the collapsible profile comprises a torsion element coupled toa canting means disposed on the bottom surface of the sole unit, thetorsion element having opposing force transfer means at each end whereinthe canting means is disposed at about a midline of the sole unit andforce transfer means for a torsion element are located on opposite sidesof the midline.
 44. A shoe having a sole unit comprising: a medial side,a lateral side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; the sole unithaving at least one collapsible profile on a portion of its bottomsurface, the collapsible profile being capable of selectively,resiliently canting a side of a user's foot upwardly on the sideopposite an applied lateral force during use, the collapsible profilecomprising an upper and a lower portion, the upper portion beingconnected together by vertically disposed displacement elementstherebetween, the vertical elements having upward and downward ends thatinterface with the upper and lower portion via canting means, thecanting means facilitating the deformation of the collapsible profile toprovide selective canting of the user's foot.
 45. A method ofconstructing a shoe comprising, providing a sole unit comprising: amedial side, a lateral side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; thesole unit extending along a midline and having at least one collapsibleprofile on a portion of its bottom surface, the collapsible profilebeing substantially parallel to the midline; the collapsible profilebeing capable of selectively, resiliently canting a side of a user'sfoot upwardly on the side opposite an applied lateral force during use,the collapsible profile having a canting means for facilitating theselective canting of the user's foot, and attaching the sole unit to anupper for retaining the foot of a user.
 46. A method of constructing ashoe comprising, providing a sole unit comprising: a medial side, alateral side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; the sole unitextending along a midline and having at least one collapsible profile ona portion of its bottom surface, the collapsible profile beingsubstantially parallel to the midline; the collapsible profile comprisesa torsion element coupled to a canting means disposed on the bottomsurface of the sole unit, the torsion element having opposing forcetransfer means at each end wherein the canting means is disposed atabout a midline of the sole unit and force transfer means for a torsionelement are located on opposite sides of the midline, foot, andattaching the sole unit to an upper for retaining the foot of a user.47. A method of constructing a shoe comprising, providing a sole unitcomprising: a medial side, a lateral side, a top surface, and a bottomsurface; the sole unit extending along a midline and having at least onecollapsible profile on a portion of its bottom surface, the collapsibleprofile being substantially parallel to the midline; the collapsibleprofile being capable of selectively, resiliently canting a side of auser's foot upwardly on the side opposite an applied lateral forceduring use, the collapsible profile comprising an upper portion and alower portion, the upper portion being connected together by verticallydisposed displacement elements therebetween, the vertical elementshaving upward and downward ends that interface with the upper and lowerportions via canting means, the canting means facilitating thedeformation of the collapsible profile to provide selective canting ofthe user's foot, and attaching the sole unit to an upper for retainingthe foot of a user.